Available for Basic Payroll, Full Service Payroll
This article explains how to set up the check print layout for paying independent contractors with paper checks in Patriot's payroll software, including check stock options, print settings, and layout adjustments.
Video Walkthrough
Before You Begin
This article applies to employers who pay contractors through Patriot's payroll software using printed paper checks. If you handwrite checks to contractors, you do not need to configure a check layout — you can print the check stub on plain paper and give it to your contractor instead.
If you also pay vendors through Patriot's Accounting software, your contractor check layout settings will also apply to your vendor check layout settings. See Print Set-Up for Vendor Checks for more details.
Check Stock Options
Contractor checks must be printed on 8½" x 11" check stock, with the check positioned either at the top or bottom of the page. You have two options for check stock:
Pre-printed check stock — stock that already contains your bank account number printed in the magnetic ink (MICR toner) required by banks.
Blank check stock — plain check stock that you can use as long as your printer uses MICR toner. For more information, see How to Print Contractor or Vendor Checks Using Blank Check Stock.
Set Up Your Contractor Check Print Layout
To configure how contractor checks print in Patriot's payroll software:
Go to Settings > Payroll Settings > Paycheck Printing Options.
Click the Paying Contractors tab.
Under Check Type, select one of the following:
Check Stub Only — if you handwrite checks or pay contractors by direct deposit.
Check on Top or Check on Bottom — if you are printing checks on check stock.
Click the Print Sample link. A PDF will open showing a sample check. You can save the PDF or print it on your check stock to verify the layout before using real checks.
Adjust Check Item Placement
If the items on the sample check do not align with your check stock, use the Layout Adjustments tool to reposition them.
To open the tool, click Layout Adjustments. Each item on the check (such as check date, dollar amount, and payee name) has a column and row position based on a grid. The default position for every item is zero.
Use the following rules to move items:
Direction | Action |
Move right one gridline | Add 10 to the column number |
Move left one gridline | Subtract 10 from the column number |
Move up one gridline | Add 10 to the row number |
Move down one gridline | Subtract 10 from the row number |
3. You can enter negative numbers.
4. Print as many sample checks as needed until all items line up correctly with your check stock.
5. When the layout looks right, click Save.
Patriot's payroll software will use these settings each time you pay contractors going forward.